Famous Inspirational Poems - Page 2

21 - 40 of 42 Poems

  1. 21. Caged Bird

    Famous Poem


    Caged Bird By Maya Angelou was first published in her book, "Shaker, Why Don't You Sing?" in 1983. The poem is a Metaphor illustrating the differences between African-Americans and Whites during the civil rights era. The author, a black woman who grew up in the South during this era, is expressing her feelings at the discrimination she faced during her life. Her first autobiography published in 1970 is titled, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"

    Analysis of Form and Technique

    The free bird leaps
    on the back of the wind
    and floats downstream
    till the current ends
    and dips his wings
    in the orange sun rays
    and dares to claim the sky.

    But a bird that stalks
    down his narrow cage
    can seldom see through
    his bars of rage
    his wings are clipped and
    his feet are tied
    so he opens his throat to sing.

    The caged bird sings
    with fearful trill
    of the things unknown
    but longed for still
    and his tune is heard
    on the distant hill for the caged bird
    sings of freedom

    The free bird thinks of another breeze
    and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
    and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
    and he names the sky his own.

    But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
    his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
    his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
    so he opens his throat to sing

    The caged bird sings
    with a fearful trill
    of things unknown
    but longed for still
    and his tune is heard
    on the distant hill
    for the caged bird
    sings of freedom.

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  3. 22. Your World

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    "Your World" is a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson that speaks to the power of expanding one's perspective and breaking free from the limitations of a narrow existence. The poet reflects on her own journey from feeling trapped in a small space to embracing the vastness of the world around them, encouraging her readers to do the same. The poem encourages us to spread our wings and explore the endless possibilities that lie beyond the confines of our own minds.

    Your world is as big as you make it.
    I know, for I used to abide
    In the narrowest nest in a corner,
    My wings pressing close to my side.

    But I sighted the distant horizon
    Where the skyline encircled the sea
    And I throbbed with a burning desire
    To travel this immensity.

    I battered the cordons around me
    And cradled my wings on the breeze,
    Then soared to the uttermost reaches
    With rapture, with power, with ease!

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  5. 23. Courage

    Famous Poem

    In Edgar A. Guest's poem "Courage," the poem emphasizes that courage is not a fleeting act or a mere show of bravery, but a deep-seated trait within the soul of a person. It is unwavering, patient, and ingrained, present in both triumph and adversity. Ultimately, courage is not just a daring deed but the very breath of life.

    Courage isn't a brilliant dash,
    A daring deed in a moment's flash;
    It isn't an instantaneous thing
    Born of despair with a sudden spring
    It isn't a creature of flickered hope
    Or the final tug at a slipping rope;
    But it's something deep in the soul of man
    That is working always to serve some plan.

    Courage isn't the last resort
    In the work of life or the game of sport;
    It isn't a thing that a man can call
    At some future time when he's apt to fall;
    If he hasn't it now, he will have it not
    When the strain is great and the pace is hot.
    For who would strive for a distant goal
    Must always have courage within his soul.

    Courage isn't a dazzling light
    That flashes and passes away from sight;
    It's a slow, unwavering, ingrained trait
    With the patience to work and the strength to wait.
    It's part of a man when his skies are blue,
    It's part of him when he has work to do.
    The brave man never is freed of it.
    He has it when there is no need of it.

    Courage was never designed for show;
    It isn't a thing that can come and go;
    It's written in victory and defeat
    And every trial a man may meet.
    It's part of his hours, his days and his years,
    Back of his smiles and behind his tears.
    Courage is more than a daring deed:
    It's the breath of life and a strong man's creed.

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  6. 24. Opportunity

    Famous Poem

    In "Opportunity" by Berton Braley, the speaker offers encouragement to those plagued by doubt and dismay. They assert that there is still ample opportunity for greatness and achievement. The poem emphasizes that the world is hungry for new creations, longing for power, beauty, laughter, love, and more. It asserts that there is an abundance of untapped potential in various fields, such as literature, architecture, exploration, and work. The message conveyed is one of hope and optimism, urging individuals to seize the chances presented to them and not be disheartened, for the best is yet to come.

    With doubt and dismay you are smitten
    You think there's no chance for you, son?
    Why, the best books haven't been written
    The best race hasn't been run,
    The best score hasn't been made yet,
    The best song hasn't been sung,
    The best tune hasn't been played yet,
    Cheer up, for the world is young!

    No chance? Why the world is just eager
    For things that you ought to create
    Its store of true wealth is still meagre
    Its needs are incessant and great,
    It yearns for more power and beauty
    More laughter and love and romance,
    More loyalty, labor and duty,
    No chance- why there's nothing but chance!

    For the best verse hasn't been rhymed yet,
    The best house hasn't been planned,
    The highest peak hasn't been climbed yet,
    The mightiest rivers aren't spanned,
    Don't worry and fret, faint hearted,
    The chances have just begun,
    For the Best jobs haven't been started,
    The Best work hasn't been done.

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  7. 25. Equality

    Famous Poem

    Racism and discrimination continue to plague our society, and those themes are clearly seen in this poem by famous poet Maya Angelou. She was not only an author and poet. Maya Angelou was also a civil rights activist. In this poem, she encourages people to keep moving forward. Don’t give up the fight for equality. The repetition of “Equality, and I will be free,” draws the reader’s attention to this poem's important and emotional message.

    You declare you see me dimly
    through a glass which will not shine,
    though I stand before you boldly,
    trim in rank and marking time.
    You do own to hear me faintly
    as a whisper out of range,
    while my drums beat out the message
    and the rhythms never change.

    Equality, and I will be free.
    Equality, and I will be free.

    You announce my ways are wanton,
    that I fly from man to man,
    but if I'm just a shadow to you,
    could you ever understand?

    We have lived a painful history,
    we know the shameful past,
    but I keep on marching forward,
    and you keep on coming last.

    Equality, and I will be free.
    Equality, and I will be free.

    Take the blinders from your vision,
    take the padding from your ears,
    and confess you've heard me crying,
    and admit you've seen my tears.

    Hear the tempo so compelling,
    hear the blood throb in my veins.
    Yes, my drums are beating nightly,
    and the rhythms never change.

    Equality, and I will be free.
    Equality, and I will be free.

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  8. 26. My Creed

    Famous Poem

    Edgar Guest inspires readers to live lives that are filled with integrity. He also shows the desire to live in a way that accepts things as they come and push through no matter the obstacles faced. We each have a set of rules and expectations that govern the way we live. Have you ever thought about what drives your day-to-day thoughts and actions? Edgar Guest (1881-1959) wrote many encouraging and motivational poems about life.

    To live as gently as I can;
    To be, no matter where, a man;
    To take what comes of good or ill
    And cling to faith and honor still;
    To do my best, and let that stand
    The record of my brain and hand;
    And then, should failure come to me,
    Still work and hope for victory.

    To have no secret place wherein
    I stoop unseen to shame or sin;
    To be the same when I'm alone
    As when my every deed is known;
    To live undaunted, unafraid
    Of any step that I have made;
    To be without pretense or sham
    Exactly what men think I am.

    To leave some simple mark behind
    To keep my having lived in mind;
    If enmity to aught I show,
    To be an honest, generous foe,
    To play my little part, nor whine
    That greater honors are not mine.
    This, I believe, is all I need
    For my philosophy and creed.

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  9. 27. The Will To Win

    Famous Poem

    When we want something, we must be willing to fight for it. We must put in the necessary work and make sacrifices to achieve our goals. Berton Braley (1882-1966) was an American poet who completed high school in only two years.

    If you want a thing bad enough
    To go out and fight for it,
    Work day and night for it,
    Give up your time and your peace and
    your sleep for it

    If only desire of it
    Makes you quite mad enough
    Never to tire of it,
    Makes you hold all other things tawdry
    and cheap for it

    If life seems all empty and useless without it
    And all that you scheme and you dream is about it,

    If gladly you'll sweat for it,
    Fret for it, Plan for it,
    Lose all your terror of God or man for it,

    If you'll simply go after that thing that you want.
    With all your capacity,
    Strength and sagacity,
    Faith, hope and confidence, stern pertinacity,

    If neither cold poverty, famished and gaunt,
    Nor sickness nor pain
    Of body or brain
    Can turn you away from the thing that you want,

    If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,
    You'll get it!

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  10. 28. Time Is

    Famous Poem

    Time feels different for different people. Depending on the situation we’re facing, our perception of time is altered. Sometimes, time moves slowly, and other times, it flashes in the blink of an eye. “Time Is” is one of Henry van Dyke’s best-known poems. It was originally written to be inscribed on a sundial. This was published in the 1904 collection “Music and Other Poems,” and it was read aloud at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997.

    Time is
    Too Slow for those who Wait,
    Too Swift for those who Fear,
    Too Long for those who Grieve,
    Too Short for those who Rejoice;
    But for those who Love,
    Time is not.

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  11. 29. Start Where You Stand

    Famous Poem

    In Berton Braley's poem "Start Where You Stand," the poet encourages embracing the present moment and letting go of the past. The past holds no power in shaping new beginnings; it is merely a closed chapter. Each new day presents an opportunity to embark on a fresh journey, unburdened by past defeats or successes. The world is indifferent to past failures if one can rise again and achieve success. Time is fleeting, and there is much work to be done. It is essential to leave behind buried sorrows and fears, facing the future with courage and determination. Yesterday is gone, and the focus should be on the challenges and triumphs of today. The poem serves as a reminder to start where you stand and make the most of the present moment, driving forward with unwavering bravery.

    Start where you stand and never mind the past,
    The past won't help you in beginning new,
    If you have left it all behind at last
    Why, that's enough, you're done with it, you're through;
    This is another chapter in the book,
    This is another race that you have planned,
    Don't give the vanished days a backward look,
    Start where you stand.

    The world won't care about your old defeats
    If you can start anew and win success;
    The future is your time, and time is fleet
    And there is much of work and strain and stress;
    Forget the buried woes and dead despairs,
    Here is a brand-new trial right at hand,
    The future is for him who does and dares,
    Start where you stand.

    Old failures will not halt, old triumphs aid,
    To-day's the thing, to-morrow soon will be;
    Get in the fight and face it unafraid,
    And leave the past to ancient history,
    What has been, has been; yesterday is dead
    And by it you are neither blessed nor banned;
    Take courage, man, be brave and drive ahead,
    Start where you stand.

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  12. 30. Can't

    Famous Poem

    In Edgar A. Guest's poem "Can't," the poet delivers a powerful message about the detrimental impact of the word "can't" on human potential. Through the use of vivid language and persuasive rhetoric, Guest portrays "can't" as a destructive force that weakens courage, hinders progress, and mocks aspirations. The poem employs strong imagery and personification to give life to the abstract concept of "can't," presenting it as a relentless enemy that must be despised and resisted. Guest's use of repetition, such as the recurring phrase "It springs from the lips," emphasizes the pervasive nature of the word and its insidious influence. By urging readers to reject "can't" and embrace determination and perseverance, the poem inspires a resilient mindset and serves as a call to action.

    Can't is the worst word that's written or spoken;
    Doing more harm here than slander and lies;
    On it is many a strong spirit broken,
    And with it many a good purpose dies.
    It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning
    And robs us of courage we need through the day:
    It rings in our ears like a timely-sent warning
    And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.

    Can't is the father of feeble endeavor,
    The parent of terror and half-hearted work;
    It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,
    And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk.
    It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,
    It stifles in infancy many a plan;
    It greets honest toiling with open derision
    And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.

    Can't is a word none should speak without blushing;
    To utter it should be a symbol of shame;
    Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;
    It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim.
    Despise it with all of your hatred of error;
    Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain;
    Arm against it as a creature of terror,
    And all that you dream of you some day shall gain.

    Can't is the word that is foe to ambition,
    An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;
    Its prey is forever the man with a mission
    And bows but to courage and patience and skill.
    Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying,
    For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man;
    Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying
    And answer this demon by saying: "I can."

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  13. 31. In Spite Of War

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    Angela Morgan lived during both of the World Wars. In this poem, Morgan shares that despite a devastating war raging on, everything in nature continued as if nothing was happening. The same can be true about our lives. Life continues even when terrible things happen, so this poem encourages us to look at the beauty around us rather than focus on the negative aspects of our lives.

    In spite of war, in spite of death,
    In spite of all man's sufferings,
    Something within me laughs and sings
    And I must praise with all my breath.
    In spite of war, in spite of hate
    Lilacs are blooming at my gate,
    Tulips are tripping down the path
    In spite of war, in spite of wrath.
    "Courage!" the morning-glory saith;
    "Rejoice!" the daisy murmureth,
    And just to live is so divine
    When pansies lift their eyes to mine.

    The clouds are romping with the sea,
    And flashing waves call back to me
    That naught is real but what is fair,
    That everywhere and everywhere
    A glory liveth through despair.
    Though guns may roar and cannon boom,
    Roses are born and gardens bloom;
    My spirit still may light its flame
    At that same torch whence poppies came.
    Where morning's altar whitely burns
    Lilies may lift their silver urns
    In spite of war, in spite of shame.

    And in my ear a whispering breath,
    "Wake from the nightmare! Look and see
    That life is naught but ecstasy
    In spite of war, in spite of death!"

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  14. 32. Do Not Love Half Lovers

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    In Kahlil Gibran's poem "Do Not Love Half Lovers," the speaker imparts wisdom about the importance of embracing wholeheartedness in life. The poem advises against settling for incomplete or halfway experiences, relationships, or endeavors. It urges individuals to be authentic in their expressions, whether it's through silence or speech, acceptanceor refusal. Half-heartedness is seen as a weak acceptance or an ambiguous refusal, lacking clarity and sincerity. The poem encourages embracing full solutions, truths, dreams, and hopes, as well as wholeheartedly pursuing one's desires and aspirations. It emphasizes the significance of living a complete and genuine life, not allowing oneself to be hindered by hesitations or missed opportunities. The final lines assert that individuals are whole beings capable of fully experiencing life, and that living a life not half-lived is their purpose.

    Do not love half lovers
    Do not entertain half friends
    Do not indulge in works of the half talented
    Do not live half a life and do not die a half death
    If you choose silence, then be silent
    When you speak, do so until you are finished
    Do not silence yourself to say something
    And do not speak to be silent
    If you accept, then express it bluntly
    Do not mask it
    If you refuse then be clear about it
    for an ambiguous refusal
    is but a weak acceptance
    Do not accept half a solution
    Do not believe half truths
    Do not dream half a dream
    Do not fantasize about half hopes
    Half a drink will not quench your thirst
    Half a meal will not satiate your hunger
    Half the way will get you no where
    Half an idea will bear you no results
    Your other half is not the one you love
    It is you in another time yet in the same space
    It is you when you are not
    Half a life is a life you didn't live,
    A word you have not said
    A smile you postponed
    A love you have not had
    A friendship you did not know
    To reach and not arrive
    Work and not work
    Attend only to be absent
    What makes you a stranger to them closest to you
    and they strangers to you
    The half is a mere moment of inability
    but you are able for you are not half a being
    You are a whole that exists
    to live a life not half a life

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  15. 33. Love After Love

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    Much of the inspiration for Derek Walcott's poetry comes from the history of Saint Lucia, where he was born. This poem has a theme of accepting yourself as you are. Before you can love others, you need to love yourself.

    The time will come
    when, with elation,
    you will greet yourself arriving
    at your own door, in your own mirror,
    and each will smile at the other's welcome,

    And say, sit here. Eat.
    You will love again the stranger who was yourself.
    Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
    to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

    all your life, whom you ignored
    for another, who knows you by heart.
    Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

    the photographs, the desperate notes,
    peel your own image from the mirror.
    Sit. Feast on your life.

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  16. 34. As You Go Through Life

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    In this poem, Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) shares valuable advice about life and shows that trying to make things go your way is futile. She encourages that instead of fighting against the reality of life being difficult at times, allow yourself to be shaped into God’s plan. A lot of her poems have a spiritual element to them. This poem is made up of octaves (eight-line stanzas).

    Don't look for the flaws as you go through life;
       And even when you find them,
    It is wise and kind to be somewhat blind
       And look for the virtue behind them.
    For the cloudiest night has a hint of light
       Somewhere in its shadows hiding;
    It is better by far to hunt for a star,
       Than the spots on the sun abiding.

    The current of life runs ever away
       To the bosom of God's great ocean.
    Don't set your force 'gainst the river's course
       And think to alter its motion.
    Don't waste a curse on the universe--
       Remember it lived before you.
    Don't butt at the storm with your puny form,
       But bend and let it go o'er you.

    The world will never adjust itself
       To suit your whims to the letter.
    Some things must go wrong your whole life long,
       And the sooner you know it the better.
    It is folly to fight with the Infinite,
       And go under at last in the wrestle;
    The wiser man shapes into God's plan
       As water shapes into a vessel.

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  17. 35. Still Here

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    Langston Hughes (1902-1967) had a lonely childhood, but he was raised by his grandmother who had a love of literature, so Hughes turned to books during those lonely years. This poem shows that even through the hardships of life, it’s possible to keep pushing forward. In this poem, Langston Hughes does not follow the rules of grammar, but that adds to the frazzled feel of the poem’s content.

    I been scarred and battered.
    My hopes the wind done scattered.
       Snow has friz me,
       Sun has baked me,

    Looks like between 'em they done
       Tried to make me

    Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'--
       But I don't care!
       I'm still here!

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  18. 36. Hope Is The Thing With Feathers

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    Emily Dickinson, born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, is the author of almost 2,000 poems. Only after she died in 1886 were her poems discovered. In this metaphorical poem the bird is a symbol for hope. Hope Is The Thing With Feathers is written in quatrains and uses an ABCB rhyme scheme

    "Hope" is the thing with feathers -
    That perches in the soul -
    And sings the tune without the words -
    And never stops - at all -

    And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
    And sore must be the storm -
    That could abash the little Bird
    That kept so many warm -

    I've heard it in the chillest land -
    And on the strangest Sea -
    Yet - never - in Extremity,
    It asked a crumb - of me.

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  19. 37. Fear

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    In Kahlil Gibran's poem "Fear," the river serves as a metaphor for the human experience of facing fears and embracing transformation. The river, on the verge of entering the vast ocean, hesitates and reflects upon its journey thus far. The path it has traveled, with its challenges and beauty, is now behind. Going back is not an option, for there is no retreat in the journey of life. To move forward, the river must confront its fear and dive into the unknown. Through this courageous act, fear dissolves, and the river realizes that it is not about disappearing but about embracing its true essence and merging with something greater—the vastness of the ocean. This poem reminds us that fear can be transcended when we have the courage to embrace change and become part of something more significant than ourselves.

    It is said that before entering the sea
    a river trembles with fear.

    She looks back at the path she has traveled,
    from the peaks of the mountains,
    the long winding road crossing forests and villages.

    And in front of her,
    she sees an ocean so vast,
    that to enter
    there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.

    But there is no other way.
    The river can not go back.

    Nobody can go back.
    To go back is impossible in existence.

    The river needs to take the risk
    of entering the ocean
    because only then will fear disappear,
    because that’s where the river will know
    it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,
    but of becoming the ocean.

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  20. 38. Barter

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    Sara Teasdale was a frail and sickly person who chose to find the beauty in the things around her. Her love for beautiful things is reflected in her poetry. This is one such poem where she shares the importance of taking a moment to look to the things in this life that bring us joy, no matter how simple they may be. The rhyme scheme is ABCBDD.

    Life has loveliness to sell,
    All beautiful and splendid things,
    Blue waves whitened on a cliff,
    Soaring fire that sways and sings,
    And children's faces looking up
    Holding wonder like a cup.

    Life has loveliness to sell,
    Music like a curve of gold,
    Scent of pine trees in the rain,
    Eyes that love you, arms that hold,
    And for your spirit's still delight,
    Holy thoughts that star the night.

    Spend all you have for loveliness,
    Buy it and never count the cost;
    For one white singing hour of peace
    Count many a year of strife well lost,
    And for a breath of ecstasy
    Give all you have been, or could be.

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    How wonderful to stop, really see, and appreciate what nature gives us. I too love the crashing waves, the dancing flames and beautiful smells around us, we need to be mindful of every moment...

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  21. 39. The Laughing Heart

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    "The Laughing Heart" by Charles Bukowski is a poem that celebrates the power and agency of individual lives. The poem urges readers to embrace their own lives and resist conforming to societal pressures that seek to diminish their spirits. It encourages vigilance and awareness, reminding readers to be open to opportunities and moments of light, even if they may seem small. The poem emphasizes the possibility of finding joy and triumph in life, even in the face of mortality. The poet employs repetition, concise language, and a conversational tone to convey his message effectively. The use of rhetorical questions, such as "Know them. Take them," engages the reader and invites introspection. Through these poetic techniques, Bukowski encourages readers to recognize their own worth and live their lives to the fullest.

    Your life is your life
    Don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
    Be on the watch.
    There are ways out.
    There is a light somewhere.
    It may not be much light but
    It beats the darkness.
    Be on the watch.
    The gods will offer you chances.
    Know them.
    Take them.
    You can’t beat death but
    You can beat death in life, sometimes.
    And the more often you learn to do it,
    The more light there will be.
    Your life is your life.
    Know it while you have it.
    You are marvelous
    The gods wait to delight
    In you.

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  22. 40. It Might Have Been

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    Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) uses this poem to show that people have the power to make their own destiny. Most of the stanzas start with “We will (be/do/climb),” which brings attention to the belief that we will each become what we set out to become. This poem is made up of quatrains (four-line stanzas) that follow the ABAB rhyme scheme. Although Ella Wheeler Wilcox was born to poor family and received many rejection letters for her poetry, she remained optimistic and kept working hard for what she wanted.

    We will be what we could be. Do not say,
        "It might have been, had not or that, or this."
    No fate can keep us from the chosen way;
        He only might who is.

    We will do what we could do. Do not dream
        Chance leaves a hero, all uncrowned to grieve.
    I hold, all men are greatly what they seem;
        He does who could achieve.

    We will climb where we could climb. Tell me not
        Of adverse storms that kept thee from the height.
    What eagle ever missed the peak he sought?
        He always climbs who might.

    I do not like the phrase, "It might have been!"
        It lacks all force, and life's best truths perverts:
    For I believe we have, and reach, and win,
        Whatever our deserts.

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